Hundreds of people gathered at Smithbrook Kilns to see him, pictured above with his wife, Barbara Bach, perform the opening ceremony.

Ringo urged the crowds to spend their money in support of some of the world’s most critically endangered mammals. This they did and David Shepherd was kept busy all day signing prints of his work and other merchandise produced to raise money for his charity, which funds critical conservation work in Africa and Asia.

The DSWF was also supported by other retailers at the Kilns, who donated prizes for a grand raffle, and by the efforts of five girls from St Catherine’s School, Bramley, who provided excellent face painting skills to amuse the younger guests.

A wildlife art competition attracted a large number of entries, giving David Shepherd a difficult task judging the winners. However, the five to seven year category was won by Cameron Thompson’s Toucan, the eight to nine year prize by Sasha Williams’ Rhinos and the 10 to 11 year prize by Jessy Shanks’ Jaguar. The Wildlife Gallery and Shop will now be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and all the profits will go directly to assist wildlife projects in the field.

In all, the DSWF raised nearly £6,000 on the gallery’s opening day.

Ringo Starr will be joining other local celebrities among the crowds at the Cranleigh Carnival & Fun Day, which takes place tomorrow (Saturday). The fun starts on The Common at 10am and goes on all day, with the carnival procession setting off at 12.30pm.